Beijing to offer 72-hour visa-free stay for foreign visitors in 2013

09:09, December 06, 2012

From Jan. 1, 2013, tourists holding third country visas and plane tickets can apply for a transit without visa (TWOV) in the capital city at Beijing Capital International Airport, said Ji Lixia, assistant director of the Beijing General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection.

Ji made the announcement at a press conference held by the Beijing municipal government.

The 45 countries were listed in accordance with the numbers of inbound overnight visitors in Beijing from 2009 to 2011.

"Foreign visitors must be reminded that they are not permitted to leave Beijing to other Chinese cities during the 72 hours, and have to depart from Beijing," Ji said.

According to Ji, visitors have to register at a police station with their visas within 24 hours of their arrival.